Iced milk tea with a straw in a plastic cup on a wooden table Thai tea is a special and exquisite drink that has been gaining recognition throughout Thailand as well as globally. The striking orange color plus the sweetness of this tea has made this tea a beloved drink for most. Now, coming back to our question: What is Thai tea? It is a creamy and sweet.
The distinctive orange color predominantly comes from the type of tea used in Thai iced tea. Thai iced tea is primarily made from a strong blend of black tea, often flavored with a mixture of spices, sugar, and condensed milk. The primary ingredient is black tea, typically a strong Assam or Ceylon tea.
Spices like star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon are added to enhance the tea's aroma and flavor. Sweetness comes from condensed milk, while evaporated milk adds creaminess and a velvety texture. Finally, food coloring is used to achieve the vibrant orange color.
The orange color is a combination of factors: the dark color of black tea leaves, the reaction of condensed milk with tannins, and the addition of orange food coloring for visual appeal. You can absolutely make Thai iced tea without food coloring, but it will yield a darker, more muted amber-orange color. This is because the Assam tea typically used yields a dark brown tea with orange undertones.
Adding the condensed milk softens the color, and the tea does take on a lightly orange hue. The name derives from how it was made. Thai Tea also uses black tea (Assam or Cylon teas) mixed with condensed milk and distinguishes itself from other milk teas by its orange color.
But where does this orange come from? Originally, the orange in Thai Tea came from a mix of spices such as star anise, much like in India Chai. The rich orange color of the tea is from food coloring. You see, most all Thai Iced Tea blends contain orange (or yellow) dye that makes for the coloring you see when the Thai tea is completed.
Discover why Thai tea is orange and learn about its chemical composition, brewing process, cultural significance, health benefits, and comparisons with other tea varieties. Thai milk tea's captivating orange color is a testament to the intricate interplay of ingredients, cultural influences, and culinary techniques. This vibrant beverage, with its unique flavor profile and eye-catching appearance, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world.
The tea usually gets color due to the artificial food colors or the ingredients that are added to it. Regular tea is dark golden brown in shade and after mixing with milk, it becomes light brown. On the other hand, Thai tea milk is orange.